Konkani Festive Menu for Ugadi

Wish you all Happy Ugadi!


A path that leads to beautiful future.
Remembrances of a happy years.
Wish you all Happy, Healthy and Prosperous new year.

What is Ugadi?
'Uga' means a year and 'Aadi' means beginning. Ugadi is the beginning of the New Lunar Year. Ugadi is celebrated on Chaitra Shuddha Padya. The name of this samvatsar or the year is 'Sarvajith' which means 'victor of all'



Ugadi is called 'Samsaar Paadvo' in Konkani. For many years I did not know what Samsaar Paadvo meant. Recently I received the explanation from Mr. M.G. Kamath, a friend of mine. He says 'Samsaar' means samvastar, the year and 'Paadvo' means Paadava, the first day of the Hindu month, Hence 'Samsaar Padvo' is the first day of the new year.

Udupi Pages says

"Ugadi heralds the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day. It also marks a beginning of new life with plants acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Chaithra Masa (month) ends the shivering winter season. We see budding tender leaves, flowers and fruits; listen to chanting of birds and smell fragrance of flowers from distance. We find happiness booming everywhere. So, the earth will appear in a special delight. Naturally, it is the happiest day of the year. The vibrancy of life and verdant fields and meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being."

How to celebrate Ugadi in a Konkani Tradition?
Kappada Vadapa : On the day of Ugadi, the ancestors of the family are remembered and a saree if offered to the women who passed away. All the girls and women in the family offer flowers and kukum to the Tulasi.

Panchanga Phala PaarayaNa : 'Panchanga' is a holy calendar for the lunar year. ShravaNa phala, a section of the panchanga that contains predictions for the year is read on this occasion.

Bevu Bella : Temples serve Bevu Bella i.e. Neem and Jaggery as a prasad, signifying people to be prepared for the good and bad things ahead.

Blessing the Newly Weds : Newly wed couple get to spend the festivals in the first year in the Brides maternal home/kulaar. The couple is blessed by the elders, an aarati is performed to the couple followed by 'vonTi borche'


What to cook on Ugadi?
Do you always struggle to finalize on the menu for a festival. Well, I don't! bcoz most of the Konkani households have a fixed menu for every festival! Most of the items on the menu is loaded with seasonal vegetables and fruits. If you do not have the menu by hearted just ask your konkani neighbor or in recent times refer to 'Reeti Rivaj' by Mrs.Radha Bai, a well written book on konkani traditions. It has good explanation of rituals to be performed on every festival.



Ugadi Menu in a Konkani House
White Rice
Chane Gashi
Tendle ani bibbe upkari
Kadgi Chakko
Variety of Podis
Dalitoy
Madgane